i wanna see wat dale steyn can REALLY do in the subcontinent wicket...

tonoy

March 25, 2008, 11:02 PM

i opened my late, could someone merge this with murad?

Murad

March 25, 2008, 11:03 PM

damn it murad you beat me to it. lol

Oopps tai.
tumi o ki ekta open korcho??
i'm sorry then..:)

tonoy

March 25, 2008, 11:04 PM

Oopps tai.
tumi o ki ekta open korcho??
i'm sorry then..:)

no no, its me that opened late lol

Murad

March 25, 2008, 11:11 PM

11 after 2 overs.

Seems like its a batting wicket.

al Furqaan

March 25, 2008, 11:35 PM

i wanna see wat dale steyn can REALLY do in the subcontinent wicket...

didn't u see those sick bouncers on a low slow CDS pitch??? thats what that guy can do!

al-Sagar

March 25, 2008, 11:39 PM

i wanna see wat dale steyn can REALLY do in the subcontinent wicket...

and specially against indian batting line up

Yasin

March 26, 2008, 12:37 AM

For the definition of FLAT, you are advised NOT to open your dictionary. Instead switch on the television and have a look at the pitch. Typical Indian wicket.

South Africa 74/0.
Smith - 32*
Mckenzie - 40*

sandpiper

March 26, 2008, 12:56 AM

seems like Rajib bowled really well in the first test :)

cricman

March 26, 2008, 01:04 AM

only 300 odd runs away from breaking the world record again :)

MohammedC

March 26, 2008, 01:34 AM

109/0 at lunch. RR 4.36 thats too high

James90

March 26, 2008, 01:35 AM

Can someone explain why Sreesanth is playing instead of Ishant Sharma? Is it just because of the Indian wickets and the fact that they'd suit Sreesanth more? Or do they realise this will be a runfest and want to demoralise Sreesanth by inflating his average and protecting the future world-class bowler that is Ishant Sharma?

I'm guessing Sharma is injured. If I were Indian selector he'd be the first bowler picked.

GuruTM

March 26, 2008, 02:01 AM

Or do they realise this will be a runfest and want to demoralise Sreesanth by inflating his average and protecting the future world-class bowler that is Ishant Sharma?

Good observation. If i were a selector then i would have used this ploy to get rid off the players i think are crap. So much less public scrutiny.

Spitfire_x86

March 26, 2008, 02:26 AM

I'm guessing Sharma is injured. If I were Indian selector he'd be the first bowler picked.
IIRC, Sharma picked up an injury during CB Series. He didn't play in the finals.

shojeebalm

March 26, 2008, 02:52 AM

India getting creamed
SA 1/159

shojeebalm

March 26, 2008, 02:54 AM

Sopcast channel 38822
showing the game

Surfer

March 26, 2008, 03:46 AM

I am getting sick of these flat pitches in India. The match is killed already.

Nocturnal

March 26, 2008, 04:59 AM

South Africa 248/3
Min overs remaining 23.2

Sovik

March 26, 2008, 06:12 AM

south africa is in good position

Padosan

March 26, 2008, 10:13 AM

Well Chennai's wicket is always like this, after day 3 it will be a different story :). you guys will know what i was talking about when i said(in SA vs BD series), prepare the wicket and suit it to your spinners.

cheers !
Padosan

BD-Shardul

March 26, 2008, 03:18 PM

SA 304-4 Stumps Day 1

:-D :-D :-D :-D

The real fun will start when when SA will declare after reaching 500+ and India's World Class Tendu, Dada, Sehwag, Laxman will face Dale Steyn :-D :D :lol:

if steyn can do what he did on CTG pitch, very few batsmen have what it takes to survive. though the taller dada, dravid and jaffer stand a shot.

Inferno

March 26, 2008, 06:33 PM

if steyn can do what he did on CTG pitch, very few batsmen have what it takes to survive. though the taller dada, dravid and jaffer stand a shot.

I dont think height is the ultimate factor here, then Sachin or Gavaskar or Vishwanath could have never played any short pitched stuff. India have to handle Steyn very well in the the first few overs and lets not be too over confidant after the successful Oz tour. This test will prolly end in draw unless it starts spinning and Saffers choke in 2nd innings.

They already have scored 352 without losing anymore wickets. Only 78 more runs needed to mark your word :lol:

Only 7 overs have been bowled today.

Last 10 ovs 52/0 RR 5.20

Inferno

March 26, 2008, 11:51 PM

De villier goes. Bowlers getting no swing. Very Patta pitch.

al-Sagar

March 26, 2008, 11:52 PM

i can only see a draw here in this test

Inferno

March 26, 2008, 11:54 PM

i can only see a draw here in this test

Cant say..It depends how much India can score in 1st innings. Sure they wont like to bat last when the ball may take some viscious turn ;)

Yasin

March 27, 2008, 03:49 AM

Day 2 - Chai pani time for the players.

501/6

Inferno

March 27, 2008, 05:01 AM

Bhajji takes a fifer!

Saf 540 all out.

Bengaliprince176

March 27, 2008, 05:20 AM

ahhhh, well played SA batsman especially Hashim!! sharbarsh bro! my dad woke me up by saying Ganguly was batting....he was just fielding at short leg but wearing his helmet!! sehwag alredi off to a flyer!!

Surfer

March 27, 2008, 07:46 AM

Pretty good fifty from Sehwag there. Takes a Sehwag to hit a six in the very first over. Cahances of a draw are good, but possibilities of a result wither way is are yet closed.

Rifat

March 27, 2008, 10:33 AM

interesting to see how this will go...

Tigers_eye

March 27, 2008, 10:41 AM

..ohhh and SA will not cross 430+ .:-D :D :lol: .Mark my WORDS .:-D :D :lol:
In Which innings? I agree with you if you meant 2nd. ;)

If Shewag bats the day out and another half day tomorrow, lara's 400 will be in danger.

:-p

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 01:58 AM

Steyn bowling better in this spell, bowl may be reverse swinging just a bit

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 02:10 AM

51.5 Steyn to Jaffer, FOUR, that one swung quite a bit into Jaffer who flicked it in the air past the two fielders at short midwicket, the ball runs through wide mid-on for four

This is now the highest opening stand for India in Chennai beating Gavaskar's and Srikanth's 200 against Pakistan in 1987.

51.2 Steyn to Sehwag, FOUR, short and wide outside off stump, Sehwag tries to cut without moving his feet, he edges it through the vacant slip cordon for four more to third man

51.1 Steyn to Sehwag, FOUR, Steyn bowls the slower ball wide outside off stump, Sehwag spots it and drives the ball through cover to bring up India's 200

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 02:14 AM

Jaffer goes ;) No WR although a record in chennai

Nocturnal

March 28, 2008, 02:16 AM

Finally a wicket for SA.
Jaffer goes. India- 213/1

52.6 Harris to Jaffer, OUT, caught! finally South Africa have the breakthrough! Harris tosses one up outside off stump, Jaffer leans forward and plays a loose drive, the ball takes the outside edge and goes straight to Kallis at first slip who remains alert to take a straightforward catch
W Jaffer c Kallis b Harris 73 (166b 6x4 1x6) SR: 43.97

Tintin

March 28, 2008, 02:34 AM

Jaffer goes ;) No WR although a record in chennai

Mankad and Roy's 413 was set in Chennai though in a different ground.

Tintin

March 28, 2008, 02:55 AM

Sehwag 159* in 174 balls. It is the 60th over of the innings and there is 51 overs left today. Time to bump the 400 run thread :-p

asterix

March 28, 2008, 03:36 AM

as far as Run-scoring or SR is concerned ,what a contrast between these two in the crease.

Sehwag 202 runs off 194 balls
Dravid 9 runs off 50 balls.

Tintin

March 28, 2008, 04:02 AM

India 309 for 1 at lunch. Sehwag 218*. SAF is well behind the over rate and need to bowl 41 more today.

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 04:57 AM

361-1!
Shehwag batting on 251!

A ruthless monster run machine.

reverse_swing

March 28, 2008, 05:51 AM

Another new record! by Shehwag. Most number of runs scored by an individual in a day since 1954 when Denis Compton scored 273.

Fortuner

March 28, 2008, 05:59 AM

hw come sa bowling became so bad.in bd they wr gr8/steyn ws gr8.nw he is lost.hw come shewag proved me rong.i thought he cldnt play quality fast bowling attack.damn.he is really genius.
btw, r the pitches in india truely battin pitched.lookin at d scoreboard.it makes me feel it is indeed.
in shewag scored triple century 2dy...dts gona be amazing as he olready broke d record of highets individual runs in a day.

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 06:11 AM

Dravid scores yet another 50!

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 06:13 AM

Dravid is only 20 somethings run short of 10,000 test runs.!!!

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 06:17 AM

Sehwag should try to break Lara's world record. If he gets another 30 runs today, tomorrow will be really interesting.

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 06:18 AM

That was a huuuuuugeee Six by Shehwag.
He moves to 297!

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 06:19 AM

The way he is playing, he is definitely in contest to threaten Lara's record big time.

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 06:21 AM

299 Shehwag!
He inches in to that magical figure.
Some batting this is.

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 06:23 AM

300 Runs!!
Shehwag scores another triple!

This has to be one of the most amazing test innings i hv witnessed so far!

Sovik

March 28, 2008, 06:23 AM

congratulations to shewag. hope he doesn't break lara's record

Sovik

March 28, 2008, 06:24 AM

is this the fastest 300. it has to be. less than 300 balls, amazing.

SS

March 28, 2008, 06:26 AM

Amazing stuff from Shewag. Another Tendu on the making. So pleasant to watch a good batsmen accomplish such a huge milestone(which we rarely get to see).

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 06:27 AM

300 up for Sehwag, what a monstrous innings!!! Only 3rd batsman to score two triple centuries in Test cricket. He joins Lara and Bradman in the supreme elite club.

Sovik

March 28, 2008, 06:44 AM

comon shewag. you are tired. please get out.

Sohel

March 28, 2008, 06:44 AM

Virender Sehwag is nothing short of a genuine FORCE OF NATURE we are all too privileged to watch today, and maybe tomorrow Inshallah.

A batsman with an almost cavalier disregard for footwork, Viru continues to defy the odds by relying on his GOD-gifted hand-eye coordination alone.

What a way to lead India's magnificient reply !

Way to go Viru ! Good to be alive today and watch you bat ... :applause::applause::applause:

Surfer

March 28, 2008, 06:48 AM

is this the fastest 300. it has to be. less than 300 balls, amazing.

It is.

tonoy

March 28, 2008, 06:51 AM

:notworthy:

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 06:52 AM

Lara will be nervous tomorrow. :)

Sehwag should go for it now. C'mon Viru.. let's do it.

Mohiul

March 28, 2008, 06:59 AM

Congrats, Shewag

Spitfire_x86

March 28, 2008, 07:09 AM

He may have a chance of going after Lara's 501 as well, if India bats for 5 hours tomorrow.

is this the fastest 300. it has to be. less than 300 balls, amazing.
Bradman scored 300 in a single day, so it's the fastest in terms of balls faced.

BangladeshFan

March 28, 2008, 07:22 AM

any of you know who is showing this match in uk? i ve got sky but seems like i need to subscribe to some channel to watch it?

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 07:28 AM

any of you know who is showing this match in uk? i ve got sky but seems like i need to subscribe to some channel to watch it?

Sky Sports is showing the match. Channel 401, 402, 403 and 404.

Ehsan

March 28, 2008, 07:36 AM

Wow! Amazing batting by Shehwag. I hope he goes after lara's record, after all these hard work he deserves it. He needs to be a bit more sensible tomorrow as proteas will definitely go after him. Steyn looked pretty slow in India compared to the speed he was bowling in Bangladesh. Looks like Steyn is out of gas.

mahbubH

March 28, 2008, 07:50 AM

Congrats Shewag! Great innings!!

Tintin

March 28, 2008, 07:52 AM

Bradman scored 300 in a single day, so it's the fastest in terms of balls faced.

Bradman took 410 balls to reach that 300. In those days, it was common to bowl 120-130 overs in a day.

rubel_18

March 28, 2008, 08:03 AM

WOW Congratulations to Sehwag, wat a way to make a statement abt him bein in the test side. Hope he goes on and tries to bt Laras record but I fink he will go out b4 dat

BD-Shardul

March 28, 2008, 08:12 AM

Even after playing in such a dead pitch, Gavaskar will write an epic of Sehwag's double and most indian fans will relish it.

Loser attitude at its best.

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 08:26 AM

Even after playing in such a dead pitch, Gavaskar will write an epic of Sehwag's double and most indian fans will relish it.

Loser attitude at its best.

Relax mate, why getting angry on Gavaskar and Indian fans over's Sehwag's feat. I thought the pitches in bangladesh were dead flat tracks as well, was n't that a 50 years old World record was broken there? So chill.

Oh gosh I slept all night and just woke up to see the score. Amazing stuff from Viru. He already holds the world record for fastest triple. Breaking Lara's 400 will be the icing on the cake now :)

BangladeshFan

March 28, 2008, 08:27 AM

Sky Sports is showing the match. Channel 401, 402, 403 and 404.

thanks miraz vai. i think thats like 20£ extra monthly. is any other indian channel like B4U showing these games?

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 08:38 AM

A result is still highly possible in the match. It would be either a draw or a win for India. I expect India score around 800+ and declare tomrrow by end of days play. Last day the picth might crumble and Bhajji and Kumble can get us there. I am still speechless to think about Viru's feat.

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 08:42 AM

thanks miraz vai. i think thats like 20£ extra monthly. is any other indian channel like B4U showing these games?

One has to score runs against the best bowlers of the world and Sehwag did that. We should give credit where it's due.

No other batsman except Amla haasn't even score a century and they played on the same pitch.

I agree completely with Miraz. It was the same pitch that Saffers batted.

Now a big applause for Viru for scoring the fastest triple.

:joy::joy::bravo::bravo::great::great: (in BD style ;))

Thanks Viru, we are very happy for you.

kaisermatin

March 28, 2008, 09:12 AM

Brilliant! We must take a bow. Lot to learn from this Indian team. One thing for sure they are patriotically responsible. The 300 by Shewag completely changed the scenario. I think India is poised to win this game. Congratulations.

bharat

March 28, 2008, 09:16 AM

:lol:Even after playing in such a dead pitch, Gavaskar will write an epic of Sehwag's double and most indian fans will relish it.

Loser attitude at its best.

:lol:

Tigers_eye

March 28, 2008, 09:21 AM

Brilliant! We must take a bow. Lot to learn from this Indian team. One thing for sure they are patriotically responsible. The 300 by Shewag completely changed the scenario. I think India is poised to win this game. Congratulations.
Kumble may let Shewag try to go after Lara's record. That would 200+ balls. So five session would be left with a slight lead. In this flat track you think India can bundle out SA in 3 sessions and go after the runs in the remaining two sessions?

On top of that I think India would continue to bat after lunch. It is too hot to field now. That will cut down some more overs. A draw is only possible.

irteja

March 28, 2008, 09:22 AM

Viru ...fantastic

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 09:26 AM

Kumble may let Shewag try to go after Lara's record. That would 200+ balls. So five session would be left with a slight lead. In this flat track you think India can bundle out SA in 3 sessions and go after the runs in the remaining two sessions?

On top of that I think India would continue to bat after lunch. It is too hot to field now. That will cut down some more overs. A draw is only possible.

The equation isn't that difficult.

India should take a 300 run lead tomorrow and declare. At current run rate that would take another 80 odd over. South Africa will face the last 10 over (or may be 8, 10 minutes for changeover) and then India has the whole day to win the match. A 5th day pitch in the sub-continent will be always tricky.

I don't think India has to bat again, they can simply bat South Africa out of the match.

al Furqaan

March 28, 2008, 09:33 AM

i don't know how people think a result is on the cards. mijan said it well.

think about, this is flat, flat wicket. you don't get 468-1 on a sporting pitch. the 300 has come at more than a run a ball. there is a 95% of draw, 5% chance of indian win.

but the saffer batsmen are more than competent enough to just block balls for 80 overs or so.

the interesting thing will be that india has up the RR to win by an innings (a 4 innings match will not happen). thus sehwag might get the 92 remaining to break lara's record, he might not. i personally don't think he will.

Miraz

March 28, 2008, 09:35 AM

i don't know how people think a result is on the cards. mijan said it well.

think about, this is flat, flat wicket. you don't get 468-1 on a sporting pitch. the 300 has come at more than a run a ball. there is a 95% of draw, 5% chance of indian win.

but the saffer batsmen are more than competent enough to just block balls for 80 overs or so.

the interesting thing will be that india has up the RR to win by an innings (a 4 innings match will not happen). thus sehwag might get the 92 remaining to break lara's record, he might not. i personally don't think he will.

A result is possible as India is scoring very fast and South Africa has to deal with Indian spinners on the 5th day.

A draw is more likely outcome, but an Indian win is still possible. South Africa win is already out of the equation unless a miraculous collapse happens tomorrow.

Bengaliprince176

March 28, 2008, 09:56 AM

man, i am so lucky to have watched him!!! it was just amazing, who cares if the pitch was flat, it was just a pleasure to watch!! i hope he can get 400 and India can put pressure on SA as soon as possible!

Rabz

March 28, 2008, 10:03 AM

I agree with Miraz bhai.
This test match is far from a tame draw, thanks to Shehwag and his amazing innings. And this is coming from someone who has never been a fan of indian cricket ( except Tendulkar). It was a delight to watch it.

....Only Sidhu can describe his innings.

Also may be i was getting some guilty pleasure watching the Saffers coping it this time, after what they put us thru just early this month.

I think india should bat atleast till tea and depending the lead they can take, should let the SA out in the late fourth day/ fifth day pitch.

irteja

March 28, 2008, 10:12 AM

Even after playing in such a dead pitch, Gavaskar will write an epic of Sehwag's double and most indian fans will relish it.

Loser attitude at its best.
Even if the pitch is favoring batsman making 300 runs in a Test match against Top quality 4th rank Test team is not easy. Virender Sehwag has to concentrate each of 292 balls from 5 top quality world class bowlers. Out of 1870 test matches ever played in history only 22 times a batsman scored triple-century. And this is Sehwag's Second Triple-century.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.banglacricket.com/alochona/<o:p></o:p>
Even Don Bradman did score 300 twice. The cricketing god Sachin Tendulkar never scored Triple century from his 146 test match. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Don’t even dare to insult Sunil Gavaskar or any Indian fans. Gavaskar don’t have loser attitude. Respect the living legend. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Three cheers for Virender Sehwag. We like to Congratulate Viru for his heroic innings. We all Cricket lover will chant for you tomorrow. Inshallah you will score 400.<o:p></o:p>

I am completely agree with Miraz bhi on pitch issue. and also agree with Inferno that there is a great Chance that it wont be draw.

Dhurr

March 28, 2008, 10:18 AM

At this point, not too many people care about the outcome of the game. I am sure every one wants to see Sehwag achieve his goal first, and if and when that is achieved, an Indian victory would be a bonus for Indian fans. No matter what team you support, how can you not root for Sehwag in this match? His innings is one of the best innings in test match history.

BD-Shardul

March 28, 2008, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by irteja
Don’t even dare to insult Sunil Gavaskar or any Indian fans. Gavaskar don’t have loser attitude. May be you have. So Respect the living legend.

Irteja Bhai,

Just remember how Gavaskar laughed before BD-IND WC match when journalists asked him whether BD has any chance to win.

I have 0 (zero) respect for Gavasker. You can call me a loser or whatever you want. To me, Gavasker is the greatest loser cricket has ever experienced/produced.

Padosan

March 28, 2008, 10:52 AM

Guys remember, Chennai pitch will spin from day 4 and 5. There were no exceptions in the past and Chennai is famous for producing close close games for results.

I wouldn't discount a result out of this match.

Said and done, Sehwag again proved that he can single handedly bat opposition teams out in test matches. what an effort.

I am truly amazed just for the stamina and concentration part of this knock for I know personally how the heat and humidity of chennai will be and especially in chepauk stadium(with the sea close by and closed enclosure). Its always 4-5 degrees higher in the stadium than outside. batting 50 overs against good bowlers is not that easy.

Go Viru !!!!

cheers !
Padosan

Tigers_eye

March 28, 2008, 11:20 AM

Guys remember, Chennai pitch will spin from day 4 and 5. There were no exceptions in the past and Chennai is famous for producing close close games for results.
In that case, I am not so sure if shewag can reach 400. That would be a bummer.

I am truly amazed just for the stamina and concentration part of this knock for I know personally how the heat and humidity of chennai will be and especially in chepauk stadium(with the sea close by and closed enclosure). Its always 4-5 degrees higher in the stadium than outside. batting 50 overs against good bowlers is not that easy.

Just remember how Gavaskar laughed before BD-IND WC match when journalists asked him whether BD has any chance to win.

I have 0 (zero) respect for Gavasker. You can call me a loser or whatever you want. To me, Gavasker is the greatest loser cricket has ever experienced/produced.

well he has his own opinions and thats going to favor india as he is indian but he is not a fortune teller to figure out that Bd would win that match.

i like gavaskar because he had lots of guts which also made him look selfish sometimes. but selfish people are usually quite gutsy:smug: If Ash or aftab had that, their average would be twice of what they have now.

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 03:10 PM

hw come sa bowling became so bad.in bd they wr gr8/steyn ws gr8.nw he is lost.hw come shewag proved me rong.i thought he cldnt play quality fast bowling attack.damn.he is really genius.
btw, r the pitches in india truely battin pitched.lookin at d scoreboard.it makes me feel it is indeed.
in shewag scored triple century 2dy...dts gona be amazing as he olready broke d record of highets individual runs in a day.

SAF bowling was not bad, but they were facing a much stronger batting line up(probably the best in the world in current form). Dale Steyn was made to look like a ordinary bowler although there was much hype abut him following his recent success in Bangladesh (and Pakistan). No wonder he will learn what it takes to take wickets against quality batting on a batting paradise. And then again, when Viru is on fire even Brett Lee looks ordinary so give credit where it is due.

Just remember how Gavaskar laughed before BD-IND WC match when journalists asked him whether BD has any chance to win.

I have 0 (zero) respect for Gavasker. You can call me a loser or whatever you want. To me, Gavasker is the greatest loser cricket has ever experienced/produced.

well said, I have no respect for Gavasker regardless of his runs.

Anher

March 28, 2008, 04:34 PM

Even if the pitch is favoring batsman making 300 runs in a Test match against Top quality 4th rank Test team is not easy. Virender Sehwag has to concentrate each of 292 balls from 5 top quality world class bowlers. Out of 1870 test matches ever played in history only 22 times a batsman scored triple-century. And this is Sehwag's Second Triple-century.
<o:p></o:p>
Even Don Bradman did score 300 twice. The cricketing god Sachin Tendulkar never scored Triple century from his 146 test match. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Don’t even dare to insult Sunil Gavaskar or any Indian fans. Gavaskar don’t have loser attitude. Respect the living legend. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Three cheers for Virender Sehwag. We like to Congratulate Viru for his heroic innings. We all Cricket lover will chant for you tomorrow. Inshallah you will score 400.<o:p></o:p>

I am completely agree with Miraz bhi on pitch issue. and also agree with Inferno that there is a great Chance that it wont be draw.

Ditto. In addition to that insulting is a complete loser mentality.

AsifTheManRahman

March 28, 2008, 04:55 PM

Eto run kore kemne? Are they playing on Hilton's chest?

Russell2k7

March 28, 2008, 05:16 PM

There is absolutely no way the Saffies would loose this match. Ind need at least 400 run lead to make this interesting. That being said, what an innings by Sewhag. Is he on crack or something? lol.

Tehsin

March 28, 2008, 05:57 PM

Hats off to Sehwag. That's an amazing fit.

MohammedC

March 28, 2008, 06:09 PM

What an innings watched highlights only missed it because I was sleeping:( but I will be up tonight to see him break few more record.

Murad

March 28, 2008, 06:15 PM

What an Innings. :bravo:

He was always like this. If he can stay on the wicket for few overs and can hit some bounderies then no bowler can stop him from scoring big. It was unfortunate for him to get dropped from the Test Squad.

Now he's proving the stupid selectors wrong with back to back hundreds.

South Africa made a mistake by taking only 1 spinner in this match. They should have taken Botha/Petseron as well.

billah

March 28, 2008, 06:31 PM

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/88900/88906.2.jpg

This pictures says those thousand words....

One World

March 28, 2008, 08:38 PM

So shadow of Cronje still trailing the saffers in India. Mukesh Kumars are smooching again.

cricket_king

March 28, 2008, 09:06 PM

Woah...Sehwag blew South Africa away :o
I couldn't believe the score when I saw it.

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 09:17 PM

So shadow of Cronje still trailing the saffers in India. Mukesh Kumars are smooching again.

Lol. How do you know, are they keeping in touch with you ;) ?

Just Chill :D.

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 09:20 PM

http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/88900/88906.2.jpg

This pictures says those thousand words....

Thats a classic one billah :D Just read the comments in Cricinfo.

Cronje to Sehwag --> "Just how do you do it, mate?"

One World

March 28, 2008, 09:55 PM

Lol. How do you know, are they keeping in touch with you ;) ?

Just Chill :D.

Check their mobile bill end of month. :-D

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 10:11 PM

Check their mobile bill end of month. :-D

How did their mobile bill end up with you :-D ? Can I take a look, you seem like an undercover cop :-p

irteja

March 28, 2008, 10:15 PM

any match link?

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 10:17 PM

any match link?

Check this out mate : http://live.cricketcable.com/

irteja

March 28, 2008, 10:19 PM

Check this out mate : http://live.cricketcable.com/

Oh..thanks buddy....do u think he will break Lara's 400?

irteja

March 28, 2008, 10:20 PM

40 more minutes to go..i guess

Inferno

March 28, 2008, 10:24 PM

Oh..thanks buddy....do u think he will break Lara's 400?

You are welcome buddy:) The link is showing some Sallu mia songs now but it will show the match during match time.

Well Sehwag is so unpredictable that its worthless to predict. If he gets going he can score even 500 by end of day. Then again he can be out by 320, thats Sehwag for you. Its better if he does nt think about 400 (easier said than done) and play his own game.

tonoy

March 28, 2008, 10:56 PM

oh god, I have never been so excited by an Indian batting session before. :D LEts do it Sehwag!!!

Nocturnal

March 28, 2008, 11:05 PM

play started-

<table bgcolor="#eeeeee" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="603"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td align="right" width="30">106.1</td> <td width="100%">Steyn to Sehwag, 1 run, Sehwag gets off the mark on the fourth day, he flicks a full ball off his pads to long leg to break the record for the highest individual score by an Indian, he's broken his own record of 309 v Pakistan in Multan </td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td colspan="2">9.25 am local time: Exactly four years ago, on March 29 2004, Sehwag broke VVS Laxman's record for the highest individual score by an Indian. He's already equaled his own personal best of 309. How much further can he go? We're about five minutes away from the start. I'm George Binoy, by the way, and I'll be your commentator for the day.

"A few people on the roof near the manual scoreboard already," says Sid V.

Sehwag's on strike, facing Dale Steyn, who's bowling from over the wicket. The new ball has been taken. Two slips in place.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Nocturnal

March 28, 2008, 11:28 PM

Interesting- last 3 triple century in Test cricket happened all against SA
Gyle/Mahela/Viru

tonoy

March 28, 2008, 11:29 PM

sehwag gone!!!!!!!

Nocturnal

March 28, 2008, 11:31 PM

GONE :(
Sehwag walks off to tremendous applause which continues for the batsman walking in, it's Sachin Tendulkar and he's entertained the Chennai crowd with several special innings in the past.

<table bgcolor="#eeeeee" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="603"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td align="right" width="30">118.2</td> <td width="100%">Morkel to Dravid, 1 run, there it is, he moves forward and flicks a ball off his pads through midwicket, he raises his arms in celebration and takes off his helmet as he completes the run and raises his bat to the Chennai crowd, he kisses his helmet too, the players in the dressing room are on their feet applauding a superb milestone from one of the most resilient of cricketers </td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td align="right" width="30">118.1</td> <td width="100%">Morkel to Dravid, no run, short of a length delivery, Dravid jumps on to the back foot and blocks </td> </tr> <tr valign="top"> <td colspan="2">Right, Dravid's on 9999 Test runs. He's been far from fluent in this innings but the landmark will be a tremendous one. Gavaskar and Tendulkar are the only Indians to have scored 10,000 Test runs. :notworthy:
</td></tr></tbody></table>

Kabir

March 29, 2008, 12:11 AM

Crap. I thought Sehwag will actually beat Lara's record.

Oh well...well played by him...even on a pitch like this, it requires stamina to stay in the middle for that long. Well played :applause:

Antora

March 29, 2008, 12:14 AM

2 more wickets will fall before the lunch break...

HOPEFULLY!

Inferno

March 29, 2008, 12:21 AM

BTW guys what happened to Dale Steyn after all the hoopla he created?

Murad

March 29, 2008, 12:27 AM

How many tests are they gonna play in this series??

2 or 3??

Steyn will atleast take 10 wickets in 2 tests.

Inferno

March 29, 2008, 12:29 AM

3 Tests. Yes hopefully, so far he is pretty ordinary.

Inferno

March 29, 2008, 12:35 AM

I think Dravid has been watching Javed Omar these days. He is just making it difficult for other batsmen.

Oh Dravid please score some runs or let Dhoni come

Ehsan

March 29, 2008, 12:47 AM

Man I think Dravid is now even putting JO to shame. Score the 15 runs and go take some rest, Sir Dravid.

tonoy

March 29, 2008, 03:34 AM

steyn is learning to bowl again. he got 4 wickets so far.

Sovik

March 29, 2008, 06:02 AM

steyn is learning to bowl again. he got 4 wickets so far.
tailenders

rubel_18

March 29, 2008, 09:09 AM

WOW Congratulations to Sehwag, wat a way to make a statement abt him bein in the test side. Hope he goes on and tries to bt Laras record but I fink he will go out b4 dat

It turned out I was correct that he wudnt get 2 bt Laras record, I am the 2nd pyschic after Bengaliprince176 :-p

MohammedC

March 29, 2008, 10:09 AM

So after all this record breaking saga this match will be a draw. Damn

Zobair

March 29, 2008, 10:34 AM

well played Sehwag...what an innings?!

also why is every one beating on Dravid? This is a test match and it requires batting discipline and patience. He is a grammatically correct player and he plays as the game should be played. Besides Sehwag (who, with all due respect, could have been out many many times given the number of aerial shots he plays) no one else could master the SA's bowling. Dravid played very very well.

Eshen

March 29, 2008, 11:49 AM

Dravid with his super slow innings very much killed the match.

al Furqaan

March 29, 2008, 01:05 PM

A result is possible as India is scoring very fast and South Africa has to deal with Indian spinners on the 5th day.

A draw is more likely outcome, but an Indian win is still possible. South Africa win is already out of the equation unless a miraculous collapse happens tomorrow.

na bhai, result was never on the cards...because India was scoring very fast yes, but they woulda had to score at at least 6 an over to have a shot at winning. remember this wicket is FLAT.

just as i said.

Inferno

March 29, 2008, 01:39 PM

na bhai, result was never on the cards...because India was scoring very fast yes, but they woulda had to score at at least 6 an over to have a shot at winning. remember this wicket is FLAT.

just as i said.

Result was very much possible but Dravid killed any possibility of that. He scored 20 odd runs in nearly 100 odd balls that he faced before lunch on day 4. This is definitely disappointing that he could nt score faster (by fast I mean score at least at 60 strike rate) when the platform was all set on day 4. I completely agree with Eshen and Eshan that Dravid's super slow innings killed the match.

Now its high time to get rid of the Dravid's and Ganguly's from Test matches and get them replaced with the Sharma's and the Gambhir's. They are simply OLD war horses who cant run(score) any faster and MUST go. Sorry to dissapoint any Dada or Dravid fan here but the fact is I WAS a big fan of both of them, but NOT anymore. Wish they have a more respectable exit like Gilly and co rather than forcibly shown the door out.

Nafi

March 29, 2008, 04:19 PM

Result was very much possible but Dravid killed any possibility of that. He scored 20 odd runs in nearly 100 odd balls that he faced before lunch on day 4. This is definitely disappointing that he could nt score faster (by fast I mean score at least at 60 strike rate) when the platform was all set on day 4. I completely agree with Eshen and Eshan that Dravid's super slow innings killed the match.

Now its high time to get rid of the Dravid's and Ganguly's from Test matches and get them replaced with the Sharma's and the Gambhir's. They are simply OLD war horses who cant run(score) any faster and MUST go. Sorry to dissapoint any Dada or Dravid fan here but the fact is I WAS a big fan of both of them, but NOT anymore. Wish they have a more respectable exit like Gilly and co rather than forcibly shown the door out.

Wouldnt be an issue if they werent playing on such a FLAT pitch.

Bengaliprince176

March 29, 2008, 04:28 PM

Wouldnt be an issue if they werent playing on such a FLAT pitch.

summed it up nicely. also dhoni and other youngsters didnt score that much on this flat pitch, yet dravid scored a 100. the one senior u are willing to keep, got a duck.....

also to score quickly u still need runs, dravids innings was much more useful!!! also ganguly's strike rate was 87ish for his 24 runs, u want all the bastman to go like sehwag at 100+?

bharat

March 30, 2008, 05:34 AM

Wouldnt be an issue if they werent playing on such a FLAT pitch.

I agree on that but, what lacked was the intent.One way of looking at it is ...Dravid could not force the pace even on such a FLAT pitch.

Dravid has been struggling ..., Laxman needs to be promoted to one down.India needs someone like Laxman up the order who can face some chin music and as well as force the initiative.

India with its immense talent needs to push for a win.

SA will be more than happy with the draw, a 0-0 series draw would be a great for them.India needs push the initiative, more so in Bowling and FIELDING which was pathetic to say the least, a far cry from the performance in Australia.

Sovik

March 30, 2008, 05:58 AM

only difference was shewag. India failed as a team.

al-Sagar

March 30, 2008, 07:26 AM

india needs ishant sharma back

Rumz_01

March 30, 2008, 10:27 AM

dissapoiting end to some wonderful batting...

Tigers_eye

March 31, 2008, 10:33 AM

Result was very much possible but Dravid killed any possibility of that...
Dravid could not force the pace even on such a FLAT pitch.
Last time I checked to win a test one needs 20 wickets (Unless it is Australia, declaring and losing). Don't blame Dravid with only managing 15 wickets in 260+ overs. Either India gets another wicket taking bowler in the lineup or makes the pitch a bit bowler friendly they can't win against determined SA team. In both cases that plays right in to SA's hand.

Just a question, how many overs do you guys think the bowlers need to knock off SA'an side twice?

bharat

March 31, 2008, 11:58 AM

Last time I checked to win a test one needs 20 wickets (Unless it is Australia, declaring and losing). Don't blame Dravid with only managing 15 wickets in 260+ overs. Either India gets another wicket taking bowler in the lineup or makes the pitch a bit bowler friendly they can't win against determined SA team. In both cases that plays right in to SA's hand.

Just a question, how many overs do you guys think the bowlers need to knock off SA'an side twice?

Read closely, I dint blame Dravid for the draw.I was only suggesting the lack of intent to push the initiative.

The Indian team had to put their best foot forward while batting.Shewag did exactly that for India, what India needed at that time was some able support.Dravid could not manage that, what he managed was a stoic resistance which was not the need of the day.I suggested swapping Dravid with Laxman in the number 3 spot

It is a different thing that the pitch did not crack on the 5th day but things would have been different if it did or if SA lost a couple of wickets early on.

If India wants to close the gap (or retain its 2nd position) between themselves and the Aussies they need to change their mindset (read a more postive approch when the situation demands )and ofcourse thier pathetic fielding and below par bowling (atleast in this test).

The Ausiies would have approched it completely differently.They create opportunites which we did not.<b>I dont blame Dravid for the draw but I blame him for not trying to create opportunites.</b>

bharat

March 31, 2008, 12:06 PM

Just a question, how many overs do you guys think the bowlers need to knock off SA'an side twice?

Maybe 20 more overs would have done the job, considering that India (and SA) simply played out the last 15+ overs to fill in the mandatory overs.

As I see it SA now have a slight edge and would be the happier team.

I personally dont rate SA as a great test team,except at home( may be 4th after Aus,India,Eng/SL) and would be a shame if India does not win the series.